Estrella Resources (ASX: ESR) has announced a series of key senior management changes aimed at supporting the next stage of its growth and advancing the company’s integrated limestone and manganese operations in Timor-Leste.
The company confirmed that experienced mining executive Robert Mencel has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and will transition to Managing Director by 30 June 2026.
Mencel will be responsible for leading Estrella through the development, construction, and operational ramp-up of its flagship Timor-Leste projects.
Long-term Managing Director Christopher Daws will assume a new position in Business Development, effective June 2026.
In this capacity, he will focus on identifying new asset acquisition and divestment opportunities while deepening relationships with government stakeholders and strategic partners.
Estrella emphasised that strong leadership continuity will be maintained throughout the transition period.
Mencel brings more than 25 years of global mining and project development experience, having successfully delivered multiple greenfield projects from concept through to production across diverse commodity sectors.
The company also confirmed that recruitment is underway for additional technical and operational roles to support its expanding activities in Timor-Leste.
Outgoing Managing Director Chris Daws said the leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for Estrella as it positions itself for long-term success in the region.
“It is with great pleasure that I am able to hand over the leadership of Estrella to someone of Robert’s calibre at this critical stage in the company’s development.
“The scale of opportunity in Timor Leste is significant, and I am confident that Robert is the right person to guide these projects through development and into successful long-term operations.”
Reflecting on the company’s recent progress, Daws said Estrella had undergone a successful strategic transformation in recent years.
“I am extremely proud of what our team has achieved over the past three years,” said Daws.
“We have successfully repositioned Estrella from its nickel origins into a first mover position in Timor Leste, establishing strong government and community relationships along the way.
“I look forward to continuing to support the company in a business development capacity and to working closely with Robert as we accelerate the progress of our projects.”
Incoming CEO Robert Mencel expressed enthusiasm for joining Estrella at a time of significant resource potential and strategic growth.
“I am excited to join Estrella and build on the outstanding work by Chris and his team.
“Estrella’s limestone and manganese exploration success clearly highlights the strong mineral potential of Timor-Leste.
“These discoveries could underpin significant future resources capable of supporting long-life, low-cost operations, further strengthened by the country’s proximity to key markets.
“The next phase will focus on the disciplined evaluation of these discoveries, engagement with potential customers, and the development of commercially robust, long-term operations to drive sustainable shareholder value.”